With the PSL promotion/relegation playoffs on the horizon, Cape Town City and Milford will do battle in their initial round-robin clash at the Athlone Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
CURRENT FORM
City finished the 2025/26 Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign in second position on the log following a strong end to the season.
The Mother City outfit found themselves in the running for a lofty place on the log in the final months of the season following an impressive 11-game unbeaten streak leading up to March. Then, as one final push for second, City claimed consecutive victories against Gomora United, Baroka and Leicesterford City in their last three matches.
Both City and Milford ended the season on 54 points, with the latter creeping into third place by two points following a 0-0 draw with Hungry Lions during Matchday 30.
Milford ended 2025 at the top of the pile as they put themselves in prime position for a promotional finish.
While inconsistent performances saw them drop out of the top three post-January, Milford clawed their way back up the table with three wins in their final five matches of the season.
WHAT WAS SAID
Reflecting on City’s chances in the playoffs, Citizens coach Jan Vreman believes his side has what it takes to return to the Betway Premiership and that he is 'positive' about their chances of doing so.
“What I saw this season is that we can beat every team, so I am positive that we can do it," Verman said.
"We know that it will be very difficult.
“I don’t think it’s about last season’s experience because it’s very different from what we are doing now and what they had this season.
“We are happy to be in the playoffs and they were not happy to be there last season because they were fighting for relegation and there was also a lot of pressure on the group.
“So the situation is totally different. Also, we have a lot of players who were not there last season.”
Preparation mode: ON 🫡
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) May 21, 2026
🆚 Milford FC
📆 26 May
🏟️ Athlone Stadium
🏆 Betway Premiership Playoffs
⌚ 15H00
📺 LIVE on SuperSport TV
🎟️ Tickets available via WebTickets pic.twitter.com/gUpkrwhPId
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Cape Town City: Jaedin Rhodes – Rhodes has been one of City’s star performers during the last couple of seasons while his importance to the team was underlined during their 4-2 win over Leicesterford City on the last day of the season. After scoring a brace last time out, Rhodes will head into the playoffs with confidence in his stride.
Milford FC: Menzi Chili – As the Stallions number 10, Chili’s experience will be crucial in facing City’s well-drilled midfield department. The 33-year-old will also be tasked with finding gaps in the opposing backline while his leadership qualities will be much needed during the next couple of weeks.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Games: 2
Cape Town City wins: 0
Milford wins: 1
Draws: 1